From next year Leaving Certificate students will be able to choose to sit an exam in Ukrainian.

The move was a announced by Education Minister Norma Foley, who says it is right that Ireland has "stood firmly with the people of Ukraine" since Russia's invasion.

Those entering fifth year in September will be able to choose to sit the exam in 2025, the Irish Times has reported.

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 15,000 child refugees and asylum seekers have come to Ireland.

Speaking to the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools Students (ACCS) on Friday, Minister Foley said: “For these students, many of whom have had to leave behind parents, grandparents, siblings and other loved ones, school provides an important sense of normality.

"It is a place where they can escape other concerns, focus on their own learning and make friends."

Unlike other languages, Ukrainian will be sat at higher level only and will not include an oral examination, catering primarily for native speakers.

However, others who wish to take up the language while in school may also sit the exam.

Ukrainian will be added to a list of other non-curricular language exams available including Finnish, Dutch, Croatian and Mandarin Chinese.

Main image shows a State Examinations Commission sign on the a door at Beneavin De La Salle College, Finglas. Picture by: PA Images/Alamy